Pensioner warns about tax office scam

AN Omagh man who was almost conned out of money has issued a warning to others to be aware of ongoing scams.

The 68-year-old pensioner received a phonecall from someone claiming to be from the tax office, and the caller said he had a balance which had to be paid or police would be called.

The man received the phone call to his home on Wednesday, and the caller told him to press number one to pay the amount or police would arrive at his home within a number of hours and you will be arrested.

Guessing that something was not quite right, he hung up the phone before making any payment.

The pensioner was worried other people may fall victim to the scam and lose money to these fraudsters.

Speaking to the Herald, he said, “I want to raise awareness about these scams that are going on.

“I got the phonecall to my house number and they told me the police would come if I didn’t pay the money.

“I hung up but someone could easily be caught out and lose a lot of money if they thought these callers were legitimate.

“It was quite intimidating because I was threatened with the police so anyone elderly or vulnerable might think it is real and panic.”

A spokesman for the PSNI said, “Scammers don’t care who their victim is, they just want the money and will employ whatever tactic is necessary.

“If you have any suspicions at all about a call you receive, hang up and phone the organisation the person is claiming to represent to check their authenticity.

“Ideally, make the call from another telephone so you can be sure the original caller has not remained on the line.

“Never be pressured into a transaction over the phone.

“If you have any concerns about unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040.

“You can also call police on the non-emergency number 101.”